1. Interviewing Vulnerable Populations
Protecting participants AND yourself

2. Interviewing Vulnerable Populations
Objectives
Keeping participants safe
Keeping yourself safe (and sane)
Protecting the integrity of the research

3. Power They may look tough…. Marginalised populations, stigma
High costs of participation
Sensitive data

4. The basics Confidentiality vs. Anonymity Transcribing Data storage
Consent forms?
Audio recordings
Transcribing
Data cleansing
Data storage

5. Setting up the interview
Know your participants and/or gate keeper
Safe location
Ensure one contact knows your location and timing (while maintaining confidentiality)

6. Sensitive data Criminality ACIC coercive powers Information letter
Declaration at the start of the interview
Controlling the interview
Legal obligations!
Crimes against children
Victim or perpetrator
Acts of terrorism
Imminent threat
ACIC coercive powers

7. Scenario 1% motorcycle clubs
Drug trafficking, recruitment, violence and intimidation
Perfect intelligence asset….

8. Remaining impartial Respect! Play naïve, but be prepared
Your job is to collect data, not pass judgement
Play naïve, but be prepared

9. Trauma First, do no harm! Reliving painful events
Uncovering new, painful realisations
PTSD
Victims of assault
Witnesses to crime
Psychological trauma

10. Scenario Participant unaware that her ‘sexual abuse’ was illegal
Sense of powerlessness

11. Scenario Defence mechanisms Military Special Operational Forces
PTSD as a sign of weakness

12. When to interject…? Be patient
Let the participant direct the interview
Remind them they can stop anytime, or do not have to answer

13. The ending Debrief Ensure they are aware of support services
Discuss non-research topics
Ensure they know you appreciate their investment, don’t cut and run.

14. Researcher safety
Collecting data is essential for the thesis – but at what cost?
Establish boundaries
Participant, client or friend?
Debrief
Don’t take it home with you…

15. Scenario Potential participant gets attached…. to the researcher…
Suggests going to dinner to discuss research
Doesn’t take no for an answer and pursues with romantic intentions…

16. Scenario People get wind of your study, start asking questions…
Post private photos and contact details on a public forum

17. Research findings Its juicy, but is it ethical to share?
Data cleansing
Statute of limitations
Journal articles and conference papers
Thesis embargo

18. Summary
Protecting the participants and data
Protecting yourself